Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the picturesque surroundings of Moerai, French Polynesia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding the levels of UV radiation not only helps protect against immediate discomfort but also supports long-term skin health. With an Af climate characterized by abundant sunshine and significant UV exposure, the midday hours often reach a UV Index as high as 8, underscoring the potential risks for sun damage. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while basking in Moerai's beautiful tropical ambiance!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a sharp increase in intensity, peaking around 12:00 PM, where it reaches an impressive 8. Early morning hours start softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 3 by 09:00 and hitting 6 at 10:00. 11:00 marks a significant rise to 7, before hitting the day’s zenith at 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline, dropping to 5 by 14:00 and diminishing further to 3 by 15:00. The UV Index then falls sharply in the late afternoon and evening, settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately reaching 0 as night takes over. It’s crucial to stay safe under the sun during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the first half of the year. From January to April, the index remains in the extreme category, highlighting high-risk months for sun exposure, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As we transition into May and August, the index drops slightly to very high (8-9), allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. In the summer months of June and July, the index reflects high exposure levels (6-7), permitting burn times of 25 minutes. However, as we return to September through December, the index climbs back to extreme levels (11-16), emphasizing the continued risk of UV exposure. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures year-round, particularly during these critical months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours to safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moerai | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Mahina UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Pirae UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Punaauia UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Papeete UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Faaa UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |